❖ Islamic Ruling on Pictures and Video Recording in Light of the Qur’an and Hadith ❖
Source: Ahkam wa Masail in the Light of the Qur’an and Hadith, Volume 01, Page 513
Is photography permissible in Islam?
What is the ruling on video recording?
Some scholars hold the opinion that pictures taken with a camera are allowed — what is the correct view?
الحمد لله، والصلاة والسلام علىٰ رسول الله، أما بعد:
The prohibition of pictures (tasweer) in Islamic teachings is supported by strong and clear evidences from authentic Hadith.
These evidences apply equally and comprehensively to all forms and categories of images, regardless of the method or purpose.
① Moving or still images (e.g., video or photographs)
② Hand-drawn or camera-captured pictures
③ Reflective or non-reflective images
④ Videos and non-video still images
⑤ Images printed on currency notes
⑥ Photographs on identification cards (ID)
⑦ Pictures made under the claim of necessity or concession (rukhṣah)
⑧ Images on stamps, letters, or postal memorabilia
⑨ Images in books or printed materials
⑩ Photographs used in exams, tests, interviews, etc.
⑪ Pictures attached to contracts or government/private employment documents
❖ The only exception acknowledged is images found in children’s toys, which are not included in the prohibition.
These rulings apply universally —
◈ They are not limited to non-Arabs (Ajam), nor are they exclusive to Arabs.
◈ Rather, they are binding upon all Muslims, regardless of their background or culture.
هٰذَا مَا عِندِي وَاللّٰهُ أَعْلَمُ بِالصَّوَابِ
This is what I know; and Allah knows best what is correct.
Source: Ahkam wa Masail in the Light of the Qur’an and Hadith, Volume 01, Page 513
❀ Question
Is photography permissible in Islam?
What is the ruling on video recording?
Some scholars hold the opinion that pictures taken with a camera are allowed — what is the correct view?
✔ Response
الحمد لله، والصلاة والسلام علىٰ رسول الله، أما بعد:
The prohibition of pictures (tasweer) in Islamic teachings is supported by strong and clear evidences from authentic Hadith.
These evidences apply equally and comprehensively to all forms and categories of images, regardless of the method or purpose.
✿ The prohibition includes:
① Moving or still images (e.g., video or photographs)
② Hand-drawn or camera-captured pictures
③ Reflective or non-reflective images
④ Videos and non-video still images
⑤ Images printed on currency notes
⑥ Photographs on identification cards (ID)
⑦ Pictures made under the claim of necessity or concession (rukhṣah)
⑧ Images on stamps, letters, or postal memorabilia
⑨ Images in books or printed materials
⑩ Photographs used in exams, tests, interviews, etc.
⑪ Pictures attached to contracts or government/private employment documents
❖ The only exception acknowledged is images found in children’s toys, which are not included in the prohibition.
✿ Universal Application of the Ruling
These rulings apply universally —
◈ They are not limited to non-Arabs (Ajam), nor are they exclusive to Arabs.
◈ Rather, they are binding upon all Muslims, regardless of their background or culture.
هٰذَا مَا عِندِي وَاللّٰهُ أَعْلَمُ بِالصَّوَابِ
This is what I know; and Allah knows best what is correct.
